When did you first think about getting a motorcycle??? Well I rode dirt bikes as a kid, got another dirt bike in my late twenties and rode it till it was stolen. It took me about 15 years to get another one, when a good friend of mine gave me a Yamaha Virago 750 that needed some work. I got that going and rode it for 9 years. I was wanting something bigger, when my brother called me up and asked me about this Honda VTX 1300, which I really knew nothing about. To make a long story short my mom brought me an early birthday present and it was in my garage when I got home from work that night.
What attracted you to your bike? I was looking for a cruiser and it was just the size I was looking for, came with a lot of extras. And the price was right.
Fastest you've ridden?? 105 mph following Ron and Dale.
How long does it take you to polish her?? As many times as I’ve tried to just do a quick job it usually ends up taking me an hour to an hour and a half. I’m too meticulous.
Helmet or no helmet? 99% of the time with a helmet. I really don’t like going without one, but occasionally I will run to the store or something without one.
Any road rash stories to tell?? Fortunately not. Knock on wood. Just a few close calls.
If you could change something about your bike, what would it be? Maybe just a bigger wind shield.
What is the next accessory you will be adding? Well I was going to get some bigger saddlebags, but I actually just got a pair from Charley and added them the other night.
Favorite Road Song? I do like listening to music as a ride, but I don’t really have a favorite.
What are 3 lessons you've learned about riding safely in the past few months? One thing I’ve learned is it’s a good idea to ride with your bright lights on during the daytime to help make you more visible. At night it’s a good idea to wear reflective clothing and use reflective tape and decals to be seen. And when riding in staggered formation do not change lanes until the tail gunner has secured the lane and then wait for the rider in front of you to change lanes and then follow.
Longest ride? 3,000 miles in 10 days up to Virginia, and back down on the Blue Ridge Parkway. What a great ride. My brother and I did it this past May.
What was the worst weather you've ridden? Same trip, road for around 30 miles in a bad downpour and it was freezing cold.
Favorite time of the year to ride? Spring and Fall, when it’s a little cooler out.
Favorite route to ride? Without a doubt the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Ever hit any critters, alive or dead? Lucky so far just some big bugs.
Do you have a ride bell on your bike? Had one, but lost it on the North Carolina Ride.
Why do you ride? I love getting out and feeling the wind in my hair (lol) as I ride down the highway. Seriously I feel so good after a nice ride, and I love riding with my friends in the 456.
What is your "Dream Machine?" Right now I would have to say my VTX. But I’m looking, there are soooooooo many nice bikes out there.
If you had only 5 bucks left in your wallet, what would you do with it? I would probably give it to one of my grandkids, they would probably have more fun out of it. 5 bucks will only get me about 50 miles down the road now days.
Why did you join the West Palm Beach chapter? Well it’s all Archers fault. He suggested it to my brother Kevin, who then convinced me to go on a ride. The rest is history, I have loved every ride I have been on with the 456.
Bradnole